'Desire to Inspire' to feature local artists

Seth Izzard, owner of Izzy's Barbershop and hip-hop artist, has created a musical event for individuals of all ages that will combine local and West Michigan talent.

Mattie Cookmattie.cook@sentinel-standard.com

Seth Izzard, owner of Izzy's Barbershop and hip-hop artist, has created a musical event for individuals of all ages that will combine local and West Michigan talent.

Desire to Inspire will be held Saturday at the Ionia Armory, located at 439 W. Main St.

The show will begin at 3 p.m. and is expected to end at approximately 10 p.m.

"In the barbershop, I hear a lot of young kids say that there's nothing to do in Ionia. I see in Grand Rapids how there is a lot of culture and I feel that it's my duty to do this in Ionia," Izzard said.

According to Izzard, a lot of talent is "right in our backyard," and during the concert, individuals will have the opportunity to hear from three local groups, as well as performers from throughout the West Michigan vicinity.

"I want everyone in attendance to feel inspired," said Izzard.

Izzard, performing as Izzhe', will be featured at the event, along with Rick Chyme, Punksuhate, Dante Cope, L.A.B., Sparks, Filmloom, Duhjuanyay, King Crabapple, The Buddy System, Adam Garcia and ChipVicious.

According to Izzard, Chyme recently broke the Guinness Book of World Records for rapping for 17 straight hours, with no more than a three second break between words. Chyme is from Grand Rapids.

"Punksuhate is two Grand Rapids gentleman. They are unbelievably talented. They play live instruments and get audience participation. They are really one of the best acts in Michigan," Izzard said.

Cope is also from Grand Rapids, and according to Izzard, intertwines storytelling with saxophone playing.

"L.A.B., she has the ability to go from a persuasive storytelling structure into beautiful singing all in one breath. We also have Sparks and Adam Garcia, they are DJs and will be playing music to start the night off," said Izzard.

Filmloom, an Ionia brand comprised of Eric Tempelaere and Brandon Bowker, will be performing during the show.

"They have a music video on rotation on MTV. They are super creative, real artists," said Izzard.

Duhjuanyay, according to Izzard, is one man who combines storytelling with live drumming.

King Crabapple is a five-person band with both male and female vocalists.

"They are like a Rastafarian hip-hop," Izzard said of King Crabapple.

Ionia-natives Brian Camacho and Kevan Browne will be entertaining as "The Buddy System."

"They do acoustic covers and originals. There's two guys and two acoustic guitars. You never know what they're going to play - they do everything from Michael Jackson to Adele," Izzard said.

ChipVicious also will be performing at the show, and according to Izzard, makes instrumentals live.

"There are two main reasons I wanted to do a show. Number one, I lived in the city my whole life and I've seen addiction. I've lost a few friends and I realized I needed to create a legacy that will last beyond me as a man of the people. I also wanted to do this as an artist. I want to put 12 of the best acts in Michigan all in one place and see where I stand," said Izzard.

In the future, Izzard hopes to grow the concert into a two-day festival. This year, Izzard provided all of the funding, marketing and more for the event. Next year, he is hoping to have sponsors.

"I just want to see people inspired. I want to see the lightbulb in their head go off. I want people to see that they can do it, too," said Izzard.

For the event, Izzard printed 50 tickets with the intention of giving them away to individuals who he knew either could not afford to go themselves, or who may not buy tickets to the event for another reason.

"I want this to have a deeper effect. I want it to appeal to youth, to the people who can be changed," Izzard said.

Tickets for the event are $10 and can be purchased at the door or before.

For more information on the event, visit the Facebook page "Desire to Inspire Music Festival."

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